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Brazil Serie A Wrap: Seedorf leads Botafogo to top spot

Botafogo have claimed top spot in Brazil's Serie A thanks to a Clarence Seedorf-inspired 2-0 victory over Vitoria.

With reigning Brazilian champions Fluminense knocking off Cruzeiro 1-0, Botafogo leapfrogged the latter into first position on the Serie A standings, while Coritiba claimed second and Bahia moved into third spot.

Seedorf set up both of Botafogo's goals in their home victory over Vitoria on Thursday as the former Dutch international ran rings around his opponents.

In the 32nd minute, Seedorf burst onto a through-pass in the penalty area and cut the ball back to Vitinho for a simple tap-in, while the 37-year-old former AC Milan midfielder set up Botafogo's second goal with 10 minutes remaining, sliding an angled pass to Elias, who produced a cool finish.

The win took Botafogo to 20 points and they lead the Serie A by one goal with plus seven goal difference, compared to Coritiba's plus six.

Previous leaders Cruzeiro slipped to fourth after they were defeated by Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday.

While Fluminense's Fred was denied a goal in the final minute of the first half as Cruzeiro's goalkeeper Fabio saved both his penalty and his follow-up shot, the 29-year-old striker eventually handed the hosts victory with a strong header in the 78th minute.

Fluminense left-back Carlinhos crossed to Roberth Kenedy Nunes at the back post and while the substitute forward did not make proper contact with his acrobatic volley, Fred was on hand to head the ball home.

The win took Fluminense to 12th in the standings, eight points behind Botafogo.

In the state of Parana, Lincoln and Robinho both scored braces for Coritiba as they triumphed 5-3 over Ponte Preta to take second spot in Brazil's top tier, while Bahia defeated Flamengo 3-0.